Texas coach Sarkisian moves closer to adding to his trophy case

As the college football season hits its halfway point, Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian is moving closer to adding to his trophy case. On Tuesday, Sarkisian was named to the midseason watch list for the 2026 Dodd Trophy, the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year. The award honors the head coach of a team who enjoys success on the gridiron, while also stressing the importance of scholarship, leadership, and integrity.

Tuesday's honor comes as no surprise given how the Longhorns have performed. They are off to a 4-1 start and currently ranked seventh in the country. Although they lost to Oklahoma last week in a disappointing fashion, Texas is still in the conversation for a national title.

Steve Sarkisian reacts to Texas' tough loss to Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry
Can the Longhorns bounce back from this one? pic.twitter.com/Rk3KhrvvQw

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 11, 2026

For Sarkisian, this is not unfamiliar territory. This is the fourth time he has earned a spot on the award's midseason watch list while at Texas. With Sarkisian leading the way, the Longhorns have been in the AP Top 10 for seven consecutive weeks this season. They also have two wins over ranked teams, which is tied for the most in the nation.

Additionally, the Longhorns have etched themselves into the record books this year. In their first three games, Sarkisian's team recorded at least 25 first downs. Texas did that only once before, in 2008. Regardless of the opponent, the Longhorns have been hard to beat.

Steve Sarkisian asks to evaluate the job he’s doing as Texas offensive play-caller.
“I think we’re close. That’s the encouraging part.”
“It’s our job to work through this lull.”
Statistically, the lull is entering Year 4 pic.twitter.com/Be9cRNv5Ie

— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) October 13, 2026

This weekend, they will put a disappointing loss in the rearview mirror as they take on Florida. If the Longhorns avoid mistakes and penalties, they should emerge victorious.

Although the season is far from over, Sarkisian has a good chance to add another honor to his already impressive resume.

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This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Texas coach Sarkisian moves closer to adding to his trophy case